The discussion has also raised questions about whether railway rules are applied equally to all passengers. While some social media posts have drawn comparisons between religious practices, namaz and smoking, the applicable railway regulations need to be understood separately from claims circulating online.
A post shared on social media about the incident has also taken a sarcastic tone, questioning what action could be taken for lighting a fire inside a train if objections are raised against offering namaz or smoking cigarettes. However, the post alone does not establish which train the incident occurred on or when it took place. Therefore, the claims being circulated online cannot be treated as confirmation of the incident's circumstances.
Passenger safety remains a key concern during train journeys. Hundreds of people may be travelling in a single train, and activities involving flames or smoke can create potential hazards. A lit diya could ignite nearby belongings or clothing, while sparks from incense sticks or agarbattis could also cause an accident. Airflow inside a moving train could further increase the risk of a fire spreading.
For this reason, passengers should avoid activities that could endanger the lives or belongings of others. Religious beliefs and practices are a personal matter, but safety precautions remain important in a shared public transport environment.
Section 164 of the Railways Act, 1989, deals with carrying dangerous goods on the railway in violation of the applicable rules. A person found guilty under this provision may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.
However, it is important to distinguish between carrying dangerous goods in violation of railway rules and lighting a diya inside a train. Section 164 cannot automatically be assumed to apply to every incident involving a lit lamp, nor can the same punishment be presumed in every case. The applicable provision and potential penalty would depend on the circumstances of the incident and the relevant rules.
ट्रेन में देवी जी की पूजा हो रही है, दीपक,अगरबत्ती जलाया जा रहा और नारियल फोड़ा जा रहा है। लेकिन दिक्कत सिर्फ़ नमाज़ पढ़ने और सिगरेट पीने से है।🙂 अरे @grok ज़रा बताना ट्रेन में आग जलाना पर क्या जुर्माना है?? https://t.co/GAE6mEe9Ir
— Nitin Prajapati (@Prajapat204) October 20, 2026
Railways also prohibit passengers from carrying flammable items such as firecrackers, petrol, kerosene and stoves on trains. Such items can increase the risk of fire and may lead to action under the applicable regulations.
The question of smoking inside trains is also governed by specific provisions. Under the revised rules that came into effect in June 2026, smoking in a prohibited situation can attract a fine of up to Rs 2,000 under Section 167 of the Railways Act. If the fine is not paid, the matter may proceed to court, where a person found guilty could face a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
Cigarette sparks can also cause fires, making compliance with railway smoking restrictions essential. While the viral video has triggered questions about the treatment of different activities inside trains, the legal consequences must be assessed according to the specific circumstances and applicable provisions rather than social media comparisons.
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